Don Swander, the composer of the widely recognized and beloved tune “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” passed away at the age of 91 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite penning over 3,000 songs throughout his career, it was this particular song, created more than half a century ago, that secured his place in musical history, albeit a position he claimed to be “ashamed” of.
Born on March 25, 1905, in Marshal Town, Iowa, Swander, alongside his wife June, crafted “Deep in the Heart of Texas” in 1941. This seemingly simple composition, which Swander himself famously dismissed as a “two-chord song,” defied his own low expectations and blossomed into a cultural phenomenon.
While Swander felt he had composed superior works, “Deep in the Heart of Texas” resonated deeply with audiences and artists alike. The song’s infectious rhythm and patriotic spirit led to its recording by an array of prominent musicians, spanning genres and generations, from Bing Crosby’s classic rendition to Tex Ritter’s country interpretation. Its enduring appeal is further evidenced by its estimated airplay of over a million times on radio stations across the globe, cementing its status as an American standard.
The song’s surge in popularity coincided with World War II, a period that Swander himself acknowledged as pivotal to its success. He observed in a 1982 interview that the song’s spirited energy mirrored the Texan soldiers’ reputation for assertiveness and their desire to hear a song that reflected their home state pride while serving abroad. “It was World War II which made it a hit,” Swander stated, recognizing the cultural context that amplified the song’s impact.
Swander’s life journey took him and his wife to Las Vegas in 1960, where he continued to engage with music. In the early 1970s, driven by a reluctance to retire, he took on a weekend piano playing engagement at the Bonnie Springs Ranch, showcasing his lifelong dedication to music. Reflecting on his longevity in 1971, Swander humorously attributed his health to abstaining from the habits of his peers, noting, “It’s amazing I’m still here. All my drinking friends are dead. I guess that’s why I drink water.”
Raised in Washington state and a resident of West Oakey Boulevard in Las Vegas for many years, Swander’s musical talent emerged early. He began his professional piano career at the young age of 12. By 16, he had moved to Los Angeles, further pursuing his musical education at UCLA and a music conservatory, honing his skills and expanding his musical horizons.
Beyond his musical pursuits, Swander recounted memorable personal anecdotes, including playing craps with Las Vegas icons Rex Bell and Nick the Greek, figures he described as “the two Mr. Las Vegases of the time,” highlighting his connection to the vibrant social scene of the city.
Don Swander is survived by his wife, June, and his son, Steven Swander of Fort Worth, Texas. Private funeral services were arranged by Palm Mortuary, marking the quiet departure of a man whose musical creation continues to echo “deep in the heart of Texas” and beyond.
